The DASH Diet, Sodium Intake and Blood Pressure Trial (DASH-Sodium): Rationale and design

Laura P. Svetkey, Frank M. Sacks, Eva Obarzanek, William M. Vollmer, Lawrence J. Appel, Pao Hwa Lin, Njeri M. Karanja, David W. Harsha, George A. Bray, Mikel Aickin, Michael A. Proschan, Marlene M. Windhauser, Janis F. Swain, Phyllis B. McCarron, Donna G. Rhodes, Reesa L. Laws

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

124 Scopus citations

Abstract

The DASH Diet, Sodium Intake and Blood Pressure Trial (DASH-Sodium) is a multicenter, randomized trial comparing the effects of 3 levels of sodium intake and 2 dietary patterns on blood pressure among adults with higher than optimal blood pressure or with stage 1 hypertension (120-159/80-95 mm Hg). The 2 dietary patterns are a control diet typical of what many Americans eat, and the DASH diet, which, by comparison, emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods, includes whole grams, poultry, fish, and nuts, and is reduced in fats, red meat, sweets, and sugar-containing beverages. The 3 sodium levels are defined as higher (typical of current US consumption), intermediate (reflecting the upper limit of current US recommendations), and lower (reflecting potentially optimal levels). Participants are randomly assigned to i of the 2 dietary patterns using a parallel group design and are fed each of the 3 sodium levels using a randomized crossover design. The study provides participants with all of their food during a 2-week run-in feeding period and three 30-day intervention feeding periods. Participants attend the clinic for i meal per day, 5 days per week, and take home food for other meals. Weight is monitored and individual energy intake adjusted to maintain baseline weight. The primary outcome is systolic blood pressure measured at the end of each intervention feeding period. Systolic blood pressure is compared across the 3 sodium levels within each diet and across the 2 diets within each sodium level. If effects previously observed in clinical trials are additive, sodium reduction and the DASH diet together may lower blood pressure to an extent not as yet demonstrated for nonpharmacologic treatment. The DASH-Sodium results will have important implications for the prevention and treatment of high blood pressure.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)S96-S104
JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association
Volume99
Issue number8 SUPPL.
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1999

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Food Science
  • Nutrition and Dietetics

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